Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks Research Articles

A Comprehensive Update on the Treatment and Management of Postdural Puncture Headache.

The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) with a focus on epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prophylaxis. PDPH is an adverse iatrogenic complication of neuraxial anesthesia that occurs following inadvertent puncture of the dura after epidural or spinal anesthesia. The overall incidence of PDPH after neuraxial procedures varies from 6 to 36%. The occurrence of PDPH can lead to increased patient morbidity, delayed discharge, and increased readmission. PDPH is a self-limiting postural headache that most often will resolve within 1week, without need for treatment. Various prophylactic measures have been studied; however, more studies have been recommended to be undertaken in order to establish a proven benefit. For mild PDPH, conservative treatments are currently focused around bed rest, as well as oral caffeine. For moderate-to-severe PDPH, epidural blood patch (EBP) remains the most effective treatment; however, this invasive treatment is not without inherent risks. Further less invasive treatments have been explored such as epidural saline, dextran 40mg solutions, hydration, caffeine, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, greater occipital nerve blocks, and surgical closure of the gap; all have shown promise. Further studies are essential to prove efficacy as well as safety over the proven treatment of epidural blood patches. There is still limited evidence in literature about the understanding of PDPH and optimal treatment.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block in primary headaches: An American Headache Society member survey.

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), in the pterygopalatine fossa, is a known current and historical target for therapeutic intervention in headache disorders because of its role in cranial autonomics and vasodilation. There remains an overall lack of well-established SPG treatment protocols, particularly with the advent of newer commercial devices. A 22 multiple-choice question survey was created to evaluate clinical practice patterns with SPG block and sent to members of the American Headache Society (AHS). Questions focused on determining indications, preferred applicators, medications applied, perceived efficacy, tolerability, and reimbursement. One hundred seventy-two of 1,346 (12.8%) AHS members participated. Ninety-three respondents (56.3%) had performed SPG blocks on 50 or fewer patients. The SphenoCath (42.4%) and the Tx360 (41.8%) were the most common methods of application. Ease of use was the top reason for provider preference in applicator type. SPG blocks were mostly used as an as-needed one-time procedure. When a scheduled protocol was used, twice weekly for 6 weeks was most common. Chronic migraine was the most commonly treated headache disorder and rated the most likely to respond to SPG block. Experienced clinicians found SPG more helpful as a stand-alone treatment and tended to report that acute relief was not predictive of enduring response. The variety of responses strongly suggests that clinicians would benefit from formalized protocols for SPG blocks. More experienced clinicians may have developed individualized protocols that they feel are more effective. The lack of evidence-based protocols contribute to clinicians not performing SPG blocks more frequently.

Neuromuscular dentistry and the role of the autonomic nervous system: Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks and neuromodulation. An International College of Cranio Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO) position paper

ABSTRACTThe Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) is known to play an integral role in the pathophysiology of a wide variety of orofacial pains involving the jaws, sinuses, eyes and the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. It supplies direct parasympathetic innervation to the trigeminal and facial nerves. Sympathetic innervation from the superior sympathetic chain passes thru the SPG to the trigeminal and facial nerves.This paper reviews relevant and significant literature on SPG Blocks and Neuromodulation published in peer reviewed medical and dental journals. Neuromuscular Dentistry employs ULF-TENS to relax musculature and simultaneously provide neuromodulation to the ganglion.Conclusion: The effects of ULF-TENS on the autonomic nervous system acts on the Limbic System and Hypothalamus (H-P-A) to address Axis II issues during neuromuscular dental procedures. It also directly affects the autonomic component of the trigeminal nerve involved in almost all headaches and migraines as well as the Myofascial and Joint disorders of TMD.

Neuromodulation and Devices in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe facial pain disorder that has been studied for decades. Classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) is either idiopathic or caused by neurovascular compression. The related painful trigeminal neuropathies are often secondary to other causes, such as multiple sclerosis or trauma. Therapies for trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathy have often been pharmacologic or surgical. Pharmacologic therapies are not effective in some cases and often cause side effects, some substantial. Surgery can have comorbidity (such as anesthesia dolorosa, or painful differentiation of the affected nerve distribution) and also is not always effective. There is a desire, as in all chronic conditions, to find effective treatments with minimal morbidity and side effects. We review several devices including neuromodulation, ranging in invasiveness, for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathy. We review existing data on sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcortical direct stimulation, deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation for CTN and pain trigeminal neuropathies. We also offer hope for further research in this area with the goal of discovering a device that can provide treatment for many with few side effects and minimal morbidity.

Nerve Blocks and Neurostimulation in the Treatment of Migraine

Peripheral nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks are a safe, effective treatment option for headache disorders, although, despite a wealth of anecdotal experience, the evidence is conflicting for efficacy in chronic migraine prophylaxis. Neurostimulation has emerged as an effective treatment modality for migraine with both noninvasive and minimally invasive options available. Such options include transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation for prophylaxis and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for the acute treatment of migraine with aura. Although occipital nerve stimulation may be effective for some patients with intractable chronic migraine, the evidence is mixed and procedure-related complications are common. Emerging treatment modalities for acute and preventive treatment of migraine include noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and implanted sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 106 references.

Head and Neck Blocks for Headache and Facial Pain

Since medications and interventions may not yield adequate efficacy for many patients with headache and facial pain, the management of these complex conditions often requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal effort. As part of a multifaceted approach, different procedures may have utility in alleviating pain for a variety of pathologies. This article reviews practical considerations for performing occipital nerve blocks, trigeminal nerve blocks, cervical medial branch blocks, cervical epidural steroid injections, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, and trigger-point injections. Although there is growing evidence for the utility of these varied procedures, further research is warranted to clearly define which patient groups may derive the greatest benefit from these interventions, as well as optimal approaches to enhance their effectiveness. Most recent advances covered (3-5): 1. Greater occipital blocks performed with lesser occipital blocks are a useful therapy to complement conservative management to reduce length, frequency, and duration of migraine headache. 2. Cervical medial branch blocks may be helpful for not only for neck pain, but for headache, however, more research is needed in this area. 3. Although dry needling is effective for myofascial pain, injection of local anesthesia may provide longer lasting relief.

Nerve Blocks and Neurostimulation in the Treatment of Migraine

Peripheral nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks are a safe, effective treatment option for headache disorders, although, despite a wealth of anecdotal experience, the evidence is conflicting for efficacy in chronic migraine prophylaxis. Neurostimulation has emerged as an effective treatment modality for migraine with both noninvasive and minimally invasive options available. Such options include transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation for prophylaxis and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for the acute treatment of migraine with aura. Although occipital nerve stimulation may be effective for some patients with intractable chronic migraine, the evidence is mixed and procedure-related complications are common. Emerging treatment modalities for acute and preventive treatment of migraine include noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and implanted sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 106 references.

Nerve Blocks and Neurostimulation in the Treatment of Migraine

Peripheral nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks are a safe, effective treatment option for headache disorders, although, despite a wealth of anecdotal experience, the evidence is conflicting for efficacy in chronic migraine prophylaxis. Neurostimulation has emerged as an effective treatment modality for migraine with both noninvasive and minimally invasive options available. Such options include transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation for prophylaxis and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for the acute treatment of migraine with aura. Although occipital nerve stimulation may be effective for some patients with intractable chronic migraine, the evidence is mixed and procedure-related complications are common. Emerging treatment modalities for acute and preventive treatment of migraine include noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and implanted sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 106 references.

Nerve Blocks and Neurostimulation in the Treatment of Migraine

Peripheral nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks are a safe, effective treatment option for headache disorders, although, despite a wealth of anecdotal experience, the evidence is conflicting for efficacy in chronic migraine prophylaxis. Neurostimulation has emerged as an effective treatment modality for migraine with both noninvasive and minimally invasive options available. Such options include transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation for prophylaxis and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for the acute treatment of migraine with aura. Although occipital nerve stimulation may be effective for some patients with intractable chronic migraine, the evidence is mixed and procedure-related complications are common. Emerging treatment modalities for acute and preventive treatment of migraine include noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and implanted sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 106 references.

Chronic Bilateral Sphenopalatine Ganglion Stimulation for Intractable Bilateral Chronic Cluster Headache: A Case Reportlkmjn

A cluster headache (CH) is an excruciating pain centered on the periorbital region and is accompanied by autonomic symptoms. Despite the best currently available medical therapy, many patients still suffer from these headaches. Some patients also experience CH with side shift of attacks, which makes treatment more difficult. In light of the pathophysiological mechanism of CH, the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a promising therapeutic target for its management. SPG ablation and non-ablation techniques have been the preferred treatment for CH in recent decades. However, few articles have reported the effectiveness of acute SPG stimulation for CH, and no studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of bilateral continuous SPG stimulation for CH. In this article, we report on a 59-year-old chronic cluster headache (CCH) patient who had side shifts of attacks and was treated with bilateral continuous SPG stimulation. The patient suffered from CCH for 9 years, and the intensity of pain and the frequency of attacks had gradually increased over time. At the time of admission, he experienced daily attacks. Medical therapy and SPG blocks were offered, but he only achieved transient pain relief. After a careful preoperative examination and discussion with the patient, we provided bilateral SPG stimulation. The electrode was implanted under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. After continuous stimulation, the patient experienced significant reductions in headache severity. The frequency of attacks was reduced from daily to less than once per week. He also discontinued all of the related drugs that he was taking. This is the first report of bilateral continuous SPG stimulation for CCH. This report indicates that continuous SPG stimulation is a feasible therapeutic option for CCH. However, large-scale and long-term studies are required to elucidate the efficacy of SPG stimulation. Key words: Cluster headache, sphenopalatine ganglion, SPG, neuromodulation, side shift, stimulation

A Novel Revision to the Classical Transnasal Topical Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Headache and Facial Pain

Background: The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is located with some degree of variability near the tail or posterior aspect of the middle nasal turbinate. The SPG has been implicated as a strategic target in the treatment of various headache and facial pain conditions, some of which are featured in this manuscript. Interventions for blocking the SPG range from minimally to highly invasive procedures often associated with great cost and unfavorable risk profiles. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to present a novel, FDA-cleared medication delivery device, the Tx360® nasal applicator, incorporating a transnasal needleless topical approach for SPG blocks. This study features the technical aspects of this new device and presents some limited clinical experience observed in a small series of head and face pain cases. Study Design: Case series. Settings: Pain management center, part of teaching-community hospital, major metropolitan city, United States. Methods: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, the technical aspects of this technique were examined on 3 patients presenting with various head and face pain conditions including trigeminal neuralgia (TN), chronic migraine headache (CM), and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The subsequent response to treatment and quality of life was quantified using the following tools: the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Modified Brief Pain Inventory — short form (MBPI-sf), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and patient satisfaction surveys. The Tx360® nasal applicator was used to deliver 0.5 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% and 2 mg of dexamethasone for SPG block. Post-procedural assessments were repeated at 15 and 30 minutes, and on days one, 7, 14, and 21 with a final assessment at 28 days post-treatment. All patients were followed for one year. Individual patients received up to 10 SPG blocks, as clinically indicated, after the initial 28 days. Results: Three women, ages 43, 18, and 15, presented with a variety of headache and face pain disorders including TN, CM, and PHN. All patients reported significant pain relief within the first 15 minutes post-treatment. A high degree of pain relief was sustained throughout the 28 day follow-up period for 2 of the 3 study participants. All 3 patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with this procedure. One patient developed minimal bleeding from the nose immediately post-treatment which resolved spontaneously in less than 5 minutes. Longer term follow-up (up to one year) demonstrated that additional SPG blocks over time provided a higher degree and longer lasting pain relief. Limitations: Controlled double blind studies with a higher number of patients are needed to prove efficacy of this minimally invasive technique for SPG block. Conclusion: SPG block with the Tx360® is a rapid, safe, easy, and reliable technique to accurately deliver topical transnasal analgesics to the area of mucosa associated with the SPG. This intervention can be delivered in as little as 10 seconds with the novice provider developing proficiency very quickly. Further investigation is certainly warranted related to technique efficacy, especially studies comparing efficacy of Tx360 and standard cotton swab techniques. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuropathy, migraine, headache, post-herpetic neuralgia, sphenopalatine ganglion block

Complex regional pain syndrome involving the lower extremity: A report of 2 cases of sphenopalatine block as a treatment option

Quevedo JP, Purgavie K, Platt H, Strax TE. Complex regional pain syndrome involving the lower extremity: a report of 2 cases of sphenopalatine block as a treatment option. We report 2 cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) involving the lower extremity; in both, a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block was performed as part of a pain management program. In the first case, a woman in her late twenties presented with CRPS in the left lower extremity that was inadequately controlled with typical oral medications. Sympathetic block of the extremity did not provide significant pain relief. However, a noninvasive sphenopalatine block with 4% tetracaine resulted in a 50% reduction in pain level. The patient was shown how to self-administer the sphenopalatine block and was provided with exercises and therapy to help improve her functional status. The second case involved a woman in her mid forties with CRPS in the right lower extremity that was partially controlled with oral medications. The patient experienced a 50% reduction in pain level when SPG block with 4% tetracaine was given. Further study is needed to determine the effects of SPG blocks on symptoms related to chronic regional pain syndrome.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block: a safe and easy method for the management of orofacial pain.

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is a safe, easy method for the control of acute or chronic pain in any pain management office. It takes only a few moments to implement, and the patient can be safely taught to effectively perform this pain control procedure at home with good expectations and results. Indications for the SPG blocks include pain of musculoskeletal origin, vascular origin and neurogenic origin. It has been used effectively in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, cluster headaches, tic douloureux, dysmenorrhea, trigeminal neuralgia, bronchospasm and chronic hiccup.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block

Clinical experience with the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block combined with a review of prior studies led to conducting a retrospective evaluation of four patients with chronic pain treated with the SPG block. The review of case reports suggests the usefulness of SPG blocks in the pain management clinic.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks for the Treatment of Nicotine Addiction

Department of Surgery, Anesthesia and Operative Service, Pain Clinic, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston; and the Health Care Organization and Analysis Branch, US Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Health Care Administration, Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas South. Med. J., 81: 832–836, 1988